During a recent conference, I had the pleasure of sitting in on a session led by Frank Besednjak, a trainer, teacher, coach, and consultant with decades of HVAC industry experience. Besednjak shared the thought-provoking claim that business is a lot like baseball.

Competent contractors reduce risk of furnace explosions.

While Steve Saunders, CEO of Tempo Mechanical, TexEnergy, and U.S. Ecologic, stands at the intersection of green, energy efficiency, and HVAC, he’s truly directing traffic on behalf of planet Earth. What’s the latest in his endeavors? 

As the green movement continues its forward momentum, numerous contractors are well ahead of the learning curve, thanks to a comprehensive qualification program, courtesy of the Mechanical Service Contractors of America. What is the association’s latest offering?

A number of manufacturers are greening their product offerings. Several of these manufacturers will be attending Greenbuild 2012. What will they bring to the show?

People tend to gravitate toward Michael Leonard. It’s this approachability, combined with unmatched industry knowledge, endless hours of dedicated service, and a burning desire to bolster the industry’s next generation that has earned Leonard the distinction of The NEWS’ Best Instructor.

Over the last decade, the landscape of HVAC motors has changed exponentially. In many cases, ECM motors are leaving technicians scrambling for help. When problems arise, many HVACR professionals are turning to one man for help: Chris Mohalley, recipient of The NEWS’ inaugural Best Trainer award.

Don Crawshaw, HVAC department chair, Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the runner-up in The NEWS’ 2012 Best Instructor contest.

Harold Nelson’s four decades of experience and knowledge make him one of the most well-respected trainers nationwide, and the runner-up in The NEWS’ inaugural Best Trainer contest.

The U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) 11th annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo will take place Nov. 14-16 in San Francisco. What can be expected?